'She gives me autonomy': Quebec foundation raises loyal, loving service dogs for range of disabilities
For over 40 years, Quebec's Mira Foundation has provided service dogs free of charge to those who face physical and mental challenges.
The non-profit has even developed its own breed of dog for the job: the "Labernese," a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Bernese Mountain dog.
"The breed is really good because we take the good qualities from both sides," says senior trainer Karen Winter. "The Labrador Retriever is highly motivated, yet it's a strong worker and very loving. You take the Bernese Mountain Dog, who is extremely intelligent and extremely loyal, and you have a wonderful working dog."
Frederic Gauthier says his bond with his Labernese Manille is strong.
It has to be since Gauthier is blind and relies on Manille to get around safely.
"If I didn't have her, I would have to use a white cane, and I wouldn't be able to get around as easily as I do with Manille," he says.
Gauthier is one of thousands whose lives have been changed thanks to the hundreds of hours of training that goes into each service dog.
Once they are nine weeks old, the Mira puppies go to foster families for socialization. At one year old, they are assessed to see if they have what it takes to be a service dog.
Winter says they're especially looking at "their activity levels, their attraction towards other animals, food, any fears they have, any dominance."
If they don't meet the criteria, they are adopted out to loving homes. If they do meet the challenge, they get to work.
The first step is learning that when the harness is on, they're on the job. Mira trains dogs for three different programs, helping those who are blind, those who have reduced mobility and children on the autism spectrum.
The dogs are put through their paces, learning how to walk, climb stairs, pull wheelchairs and retrieve dropped items.
They also have to learn how to tune out distractions. Winter says it's very important that when people encounter a dog wearing a harness, they should not attempt to pet it or distract it from its job.
The recipients receive the dog free of charge, along with training, which includes learning the French commands for sit, stay, heel and go.
The cost to train each guide dog is $35,000. The foundation, which runs entirely on private donations, would like to be able to train many more.
"The goal for 2024 is to put out 100 dogs which would make 100 people very happy," says Winter.
People like Gauthier, who says Manille is much more than his guide.
"She gives me autonomy in my life," he says. "She is affectionate and loving. She has a lot of energy and likes to spend it."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.